D4eo Literary Novels & Stories

Dignity had officially left the building. Dante’s smirk widened, slow and dangerous. “Can’t wait.” And for one stupid, suspended second as the fluorescent light caught the edge of his smile, turning it almost soft I forgot every metaphor I’d ever learned. Forgot simile, forgot personification, forgot every literary device designed to say one thing and mean another. Because right then, looking at him across the scarred library table, there was nothing symbolic about the way my heart slammed against my ribs. It was just the truth, plain and terrifying.

‘’No savior will come here to save me, so I will be my own savior. DEOS IX-END

"When the first draft is done. I want you to read the full thing. Tell me what it actually is." "You trusted me to read the first novel's ending," Dante said. "Before anyone." "Yes," Elian said. "And you told me it was right. In three words, with the completeness of someone who doesn't use more words than the thing requires." He looked at Dante. "That's what I need. Three words or three hundred — exactly what it requires. Nothing performative." "I'm not performative about literature," Dante said. "You're not performative about anything," Elian said. "It's one of the most restful things about you."

Drey: This is dangerous. Ari: I know. Drey: Worth it though. Ari: Definitely worth it. Every word I wrote was true. That's what makes this so much worse. I open my notes app and start writing. Not for her. For me. A record of everything I actually feel, everything I can't say until after this implodes. Dear Ari, By the time you read this, you'll know the truth. You'll know that Drey was never one person. You'll know that four brothers used you for revenge. You'll know that we're all monsters.